Approximately 1,800 people competed in the 9th Annual Whidbey Island Marathon/Half-Marathon April 11.

More than 1,300 people competed in the run category of the 13.1-mile half-marathon with more than 200 walking and 246 people completing the 26.2-mile full marathon.

The full marathon began at Cornet Bay and the half-marathon started at North Whidbey Middle School.

Both events finished on the Oak Harbor waterfront in Windjammer Park.

This year marked the first time the event was owned and put on by the City of Oak Harbor after race founder John Kaiser decided it was time to step down after eight years.

Kaiser applauded the city’s efforts, and said the Oak Harbor race will remain successful.

“It feels good to see this has succeeded like it has. I’m sure it will do just fine without me,” said Kaiser.

Along with individual competitors from Oak Harbor, two groups from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island participated in the event; the NAS Whidbey Island Marathon Club and the Wild Women of Whidbey Sisterfriendhood.

“We’ve got to set the example. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it’s always important,” said NAS Whidbey Island Command Master Chief Darin Hand, who finished his first half-marathon. “I think for some of the younger guys, seeing an old guy like me out here running a half-marathon might motivate them to get out there and do the same thing.”

“This is my first marathon ever. I think about all the folks today who can’t run this event, all the folks who are deployed, who haven’t come home and aren’t with their families and that really motivated me,” said Cmdr. David Slayton, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 commanding officer, who competed in the full marathon. “Hopefully (my participation) will be a motivator and inspiration. It demonstrates how important physical training, wellness and physical fitness are to us in the Navy.”

Approximately 340 volunteers helped with the preparation for the event, of which nearly 40 were from NAS Whidbey Island.

“It just goes to show our Sailors are always in touch with the community,” said Hand. “I can’t say enough about the Sailors out there volunteering; we have a great volunteer group.”

Slayton agreed, saying the Navy and surrounding areas share a significant relationship.

“It is vitally important (to support the community),” he said. “The Navy couldn’t do what we do without the support of Oak Harbor and the surrounding communities, and this is a great event that showcases that cooperation.”

The winners of the marathon were Spencer Walsh for males with a time of 2:30:23 and Uli Bromme for females with a time of 2:54:56. The half-marathon top finishers were Kristi Houk with a time of 1:22:23 for females and Steve Dekuker for males with a time of 1:11:06.

Cash prizes were awarded for the top three finishers in both events.